The summer of 2016 is near, and it’s filled with high expectations for the tremendous amount of superhero films gracing the national and international screens. But, while we’re fawning over their super power abilities, are we ignoring the Super Humans that exist among us mere mortals? Yes. It’s time we acknowledge the amazing work that people are doing in their communities.

Ariell R. Johnson, founder and owner of Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Kensington, Philadelphia, is OogeeWoogee’s first recipient for the Super Human award, our illustration series celebrating unsung heroes who are making an extraordinary impact in the community. Johnson runs the first black female-owned comic book/coffee shop in the East Coast.

Michael White, our lead illustrator, turned Ariell R. Johnson into a life-sized superhero. We took a trip to her establishment and hand delivered the gift to her. It now exists among the popular comic books, a sheer testament to her vision and hard work.